University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for ETH Zurich?

ETH Zurich asks Master's applicants for TOEFL iBT 100 if the test was taken before 21 January 2026, or 5.0 on the new 1 to 6 scale if it was taken after that date. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is on ETH's list of recognised certificates, results must be no more than two years old, and ETH's institution code is 9038.
  • Guide updated · 2 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026

ETH Zurich TOEFL iBT minimums

From the recognised English certificates table on ETH's Master's language requirements page. ETH says the list is conclusive and other certificates are not accepted.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Master's, test taken before 21 January 2026100TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Master's, test taken after 21 January 20265.0TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Bachelor'sNo TOEFL route listedThe bachelor's language page lists German certificates at C1 only

Test rules at ETH Zurich

ETH says TOEFL, IELTS and C1 Advanced certificates must be no more than two years old. It uses the ETS Online Score Verification System: you order a score report to ETH Zurich (institution code 9038) and the results are added to your application automatically. No section minimums are given for TOEFL.

Applicants who completed a Bachelor's degree taught completely in English are exempt, with the language of instruction confirmed by the university; no confirmation is needed for Bachelor's degrees from Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

On the same page, IELTS Academic needs 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each section. ETH's bachelor's language page lists German certificates only, so TOEFL is a Master's route.

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If your TOEFL score falls short

ETH's page lists no conditional offer or pre-sessional route. It says applications with an invalid, insufficient or missing language certificate are rejected on formal grounds, and that a certificate cannot be submitted after the application deadline, so plan your test date well before you apply.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your ETH Zurich programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does ETH Zurich need?+

For Master's admission, TOEFL iBT 100 for tests taken before 21 January 2026, or 5.0 for tests taken after that date.

Does ETH Zurich accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+

Yes. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is on ETH's list of recognised English certificates.

What is ETH Zurich's TOEFL institution code?+

9038. ETH checks scores through the ETS Online Score Verification System.

How old can my TOEFL score be for ETH Zurich?+

No more than two years old.

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Related

Guide updated on 2 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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